Method and apparatus for testing wells



Nov. 29, 1938. A. ARMENTROUT ET AL 2,138,057

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING WELLS ll, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov.2.9, 1938. A. L. ARMENTROUT ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING WELLS.Filed Dec.

l if. l o e. C 0 ,4Z/ffm ou A O O s O 0 0 O 0 Nov. 29, 1938. A. 1ARMENTROUT ET AL 2,138,057

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING WELLS Filed Dec. ll, 1935 J- I' .9. Z

3 Sheets-Sheet .3

Patented Nov. 29, 1938v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE NIETHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR TESTING WELLS Application December 11, 1935, Serial No.53,922

23 Claims.

This invention relates to the drilling of wells and relates moreparticularly to a method and apparatus for testing wells. A generalobject of this invention is to provide a practical economical method fortesting wells and a simple, effective well testing apparatus.

It has been found advantageous to determine the character andproductivity of the earth formation encountered in a well during theWell drilling operations. Core drills are usually employed to obtainsamples of the earth formation from time to time as the drillingprogresses and when the core or sample obtained by a core drillindicates the presence of a productive sand or stratum it is usual theemploy what is known as a well tester to more accuratelyA determine theproductivity of the earth formation. The `forms of well testers now ingeneral use are expensive and their use often causes great delay andoccasions expensive iishing operations. A typical well tester comprisesa tubular metal body iixed to a tubular test string, valves in the bodyand a packer fixed on the body for sealing oi the portion of the well tobe tested. `When a typical Well tester has been arranged in the well andits packer set its valve is opened by manipulating the string or bydropping a weight through the test string. This operation of the valvecauses the packer to be tightly wedged in the Well and as the valve isusually opened very quickly the pressure below the packer is suddenlyrelieved causing the high hydrostatic pressure in the Well to moretightly forcethe packer into the Well bore. Thus the packer of atypicalwell tester often becomes so tightly lodged in the well that thetester cannot be withdrawn following the test necessitating an expensivefishing operation to remove the caught tester and if this failsnecessitating the side tracking of the well past the lost tester or theabandonment of the Well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for testing theproductivity of the Well that does not endanger the Well or require anexpensive time consuming shing operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for testing theproductivity of a well that is rapid and that assures the fulldetermination of the character of the duid in the stratum tested and itsrate of flow or discharge.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for testing theformation in a well bore that does not require the dropping of weightsor other objects in the well and that may be snuccessfully carried outwith simple equipment.

Another object oi this invention is vto provide (Cl. 16S-1) apparatusfor testing a well that does not permanently obstruct the well ornecessitate an expensive shing operation in the event that it becomescaught in the Well.

Another object of the invention is to provide a well testing apparatusthat comprises packing or sealing parts formed of drillable material ormaterial that may be readily drilled up which parts are removablyassociated with the test string and the metal elements to permit themovement thereof from the well in the event that the packing or sealingparts become caught whereby the drilling of the well may be continuedwithout shing out the lost packing parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a well testing apparatusthat includes a perforated section or liner for receiving the fluid fromthe earth formation that is shaped to be readily freed from the well inthe event that the well bore caves in or becomes sanded up and that isweakened adjacent its' connection with the body of the tester so that itmay be easily broken at this point to remain in the Well and allow theremoval of the tester body and test string in the event that it becomesimmovably caught in the Well due to caving of the well walls.

Another object of this invention is to provide a vwell testing apparatusthat embodies an improved valve that may be cracked or slightly' openedto permit a slow initial ow of fluid from below the packer into the teststring and then opened by stages or degrees to permit a slow increase inthe rate of flow into the test string sof that the packer and the wallsof the open well bore are not subjected to the effects of a suddenreduction in uid pressure below the packer.

A further object of this invention is to provide a well testingapparatus that is simple and inexpensive of manufacture and that is easyto operate and control.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fullyunderstood from the following detailed description of typical preferredforms of my invention and the manner of carrying out the method of theinvention, throughout which description reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one form of the testing apparatus providedby this invention with portions appearing in vertical cross sectionshowing the tester in the operative position in the well to perform themethod of the invention. Fig. 2

is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal detailedsectional View of thebody and the valve of the apparatus. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentarylongitudinal detailed sectional view illustrating the device forcontrolling and operating the valve. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentarylongitudinal detailed sectional view illustrating the device forcontrolling and operating the valve showing the latch fingers of thevalve operating device released from the valve. Fig. 5 is a transversedetailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 5 5 on Fig. 1. Fig. 6is a side elevation of a form of the apparatus embodying a slightlymodified type of packer illustrating the packer and adjacent parts invertical cross section. Fig. 7 is a side elvation of still another formof the apparatus showing it in the operative position in a well andillustrating the packer in vertical cross section. Fig. 8 is a viewsimilar to Fig. '7 showing a slightly modified form of packer and Fig'.9 is a longitudinal detailed sectional vview of still another embodimentof the invention showing it in the operative position in the well bore.

The apparatus of the present invention is adapted to be embodied inseveral forms for use in various situations and under variousconditions. In the following detailed disclosure we will describedseveral typical embodiments of the apparatus and will follow thedescriptions of the various embodiments with the manners of carrying outthe method of the invention in connec tion with their operation.

The form of well testing apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5,inclusive, of the drawings includes, generally, a tubular body I0adapted to be connected with the lower end of a tubular test string S, a.screen or liner II on the lower end of the body I0 adapted to extendinto a rat-hole H in the lower end of the well bore B, a packer I2associated with the liner I I to seal the well above the rat-hole H andto permit the upward withdrawal of the liner II and the body I0, and avalve I3 in the body I0 for controlling the flow of the well fluidthrough the body.

The body I0 is provided to connect the liner I I with the test string S,to conduct the well uids upwardly to the test string S and to carry orcontain the valve I3. In accordance with the invention the body I0 maybe a simple elongate tubular member having a central longitudinalopening I4. The upper end of the body I0 is i suitably connected withthe test string S. In the typical application of the inventionillustrated in the drawings a threaded connection I5 secures the upperend of the body I0 to the lower end of the l tubular test string S. Anannular inwardly projecting shoulder I6 may be provided on the wall ofthe body opening I4 adjacent the upper end of the body I0 to support thevalveA I3.;

The liner I I is provided to receive the well fluid flowing from thestratum to be tested and to conduct the well fluid upwardly into thetubular body III. adapted to properly project into the rat-hole H andhas a central longitudinal opening I 1. The upper end of the liner II isconnected with the lower end of the body I Il by a suitable adapter orcoupling I8 so that the upper end of its opening I'I is in communicationwith the lower end of the body opening I4. In accordance with theinvention the upper portion I9 of the liner I I is imperforate while themajor lower portion 20 of the liner II is ported orperforated beingprovided with a multiplicity of longitudinally and circumferentiallyspaced openings 2l. The ports -or openings 2I are provided forconducting the well uids to the liner opening I I and are preferablycomparatively small so that the liner operates to The liner II is anelongate member -upwardly from the rat-hole H if the rat-hole caves inor sands up. In accordance with the invention the liner H is weakened sothat it may be broken to permit the disassociation of the upper portionI9 from the lower portion 20 inthe event that the lower portion 20becomes caught in the rat-hole H whereby the body I0 and the string Smay be removed from the well. A circumferential groove 23 is provided inthe exterior of the liner II adjacent the line of connection or joinderof the portions I9 and 20. The groove 23 is suiciently deep to permitthe more or less easy breaking of the liner II at the groove if itslower portion 20 is immovably caught in the rathole H. Following thebreaking of the liner at the groove 23 its upper portion I9 connectedwith the body I0 may be withdrawn from the well together with the bodyand the string S.

The packer I2 is provided to seal against the shoulder X of earthformation occurring at the upper end of the rat-hole H and to seal aboutthe imperforate portion I9 of the liner I I to prevent the entrance offluid from the main bore B into the rat-hole H whereby the tester isadapted to obtain an uncontaminated sample or test of the fluidsproduced by the stratum penetrated by the rat-hole H. The inventionprovides a connection between the liner II and the packer I2 thatpermits the upward withdrawal of the liner II through the packer I2 inthe event that the packer becomes immovably caught in the well andcontemplates the formation of the packer I2 of friable material ormaterial that may be readily drilled so that it may be easily drilled upif left in the well following the removal of the liner II on the stringS upon completion of the test.

The packer I2 is an annular or tubular member surrounding theimperforate upper portion 20 of the liner II. In accordance with theinvention the packer I2 is formed of cement, Bakelite, glass, marble orother material that is frangible or friable and readily broken anddrilled up by a well bit. The packer I2 is proportioned to lt the wellbore B with suitable clearance and its lower end 25 is shaped toproperly seat on the shoulder Xof the earth formation. In the particularform of the invention being described the lower end 25 of the packer I2is inclined downwardly and inwardly to properly bear on thecorrespondingly inclined shoulder X. A counterbore 28 may be provided inthe upper end of the tubular packer I2 to receive the lower end portionof the coupling I8. Packing 21 is arranged in the counter-bore 26between the lower end of the coupling I8 and the lower wall of thecounterbore. When the Weight or a portion of the weight 0f the teststring S is imposed on the packer I2 to hold it 'on the seat X thepressure or weight is transmitted through the packing 21 to compress thepacking so that it vtightly seals with the liner II and the packer I2toprevent the leakage of iluid through the packer.

The means for releasably or detachably connecting the liner II and thepacker I2 to permit upward withdrawal of the liner II through the packerI2 comprises members 28 on the packer I2 for contacting the portion I9of the liner II. The members 28 are in the nature of bowed leaf springshaving their end portions received in openings 29 in the friable packerI2. There may be a plurality of circumferentially spaced spring members28. The members 28 may be cast in the packer I2 or may be inserted inthe openings 29 subsequent to the casting of the packer I2. The springmembers 28 are capable of exerting sucient inward force or pressure onthe liner portion I9 to dependably hold the packer I2 on the liner IIwhen the apparatus is run into the well and are adapted toyield when theliner II is pulled upwardly through the packer I2, if the packer iscaught in the bore, to allow the removal of the test string S, the bodyI and the -liner II from the well.

The invention provides a novel effective sealing element on the packerI2 for sealing with the side wall of the well bore B. The sealingelement of the pa'ker I2 is in the form of a basket 30 'and isexpansible under pressure to seal outwardly against the wall of the boreB. The basket 30 is a tubular member of rubber or the like surroundingthe packer I2 in spaced relation to its periphery. The basket 30 ispref' erably comparatively long and may extend from adjacent the lowerend of the packer I2 to a point above or adjacent the upper end of thepacker. The lower end of the basket 30 is closed and the upper end ofthe basket is open to the well bore B. The lower end of the basket 3Umay be closed by embedding or casting its lower portion 3| in the packerI2 as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

To actuate the basket 30 to seal outwardly against the wall of the wellbore B pressure may be applied to the uid in the well bore to actagainst the internal wall of the basket and thus force the baskettightly against the wall of the well. The basket 30 is formed of amaterial that permits it to expand under pressure and to con` form tothershape of the well bore. Thus the expansible basket 30 is adapted toconform to irregularities in the wall of the well bore B and to tightlyseal against the wall of the bore to prevent the leakage of uiddownwardly around the packer I2 into the rat-hole H. Following thesetting of the packer I2 the hydrostatic pressure in the well bore maybe suiicient to actuate or expand the basket 3U to seal with and-conformto the wall of the bore.

The valve I3 is provided to control the admission of uid under pressurefrom the rat-hole H below the packer I2 to the test string S. The valveI3 includes a tube 32 shiftable longitudinally in the opening I4 of thebody I6. The valve tube 32 is shiftable longitudinally through theiiange I6 and has suitable clearance with the wall of the body openingI4; The lower end of the opening 33 in the tube 32 is open tocommunicate with the opening I1 of the liner II. A head or cap 34 closesthe upper end of the opening 33. The cap 34 may be an integral part ofthe valve tube 32. An annular body of packing 35 is arranged against thelower side of the lian/ge I6 and is compressed by a nut 36 threaded intothe body I0. The packing 35 is adapted to seal with the interior of thebody I0 and the exterior of the valve tube 32 to prevent the leakage ofiiuid upwardly around the tube. An outwardly projecting ange 31 isprovided on the tube 32 at or adjacent the cap 34 to cooperate with theupper sideof the body flange I6 and support the tube 32 against downwardmovement through the body. The flange I6, the packing 35 and the nut 36operate to shiftably guide the upper end portion of the valve tube 32. Anut 38 is provided on the lower end of the tube 32 and may assist inguiding the tube.

A plurality of circumferentially and longitudinally spaced ports 40 isprovided in the wall of the tube 32 to communicate with the tube opening33. The ports 40 are adapted to come into communication with the upperportion of the body opening I4 above the ange I6 and the interior of thestring S when the tube 32 is moved upwardly. The ports 40 are preferablyof upwardly diminishing Width to gradually move into full communicationwith the opening I4 above the flange I6 as the tube movesupwardly.,'I'he valve ports 40 are preferably related so that as the tube 32 movesupwardly the aggregate area of the ports 40 open to the opening I4 abovethe ange I6 gradually increases so that there are no surges or suddenincreases in the flow through the valve. In the structure illustrated inthe drawings the valve ports 40 are arranged in vertical rows, the ports4l] of adjacent rows being out of horizontal alignment whereby a portcomes into communication with the opening I4 above the ange I6 asanother port obtains full communication with the opening above the ange.Means is provided for normally holding the valve tube 32 in its down orclosed position illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. A helical spring4I surrounds the valve tube 32 and is under compression between the nut36 and the nut 38 to yieldingly urge the valve tube 32 downwardly. Thespring 4I is sufciently strong to hold the valve tube 32 in its closedposition until the valve tube is deliberately or intentionally movedupwardly.

The invention provides simple leffective means for operating andcontrolling the valve I3. The valve I3 is adapted to be controlled by acable or line L passed downwardly through the test string S and the toolor means for controlling the valve I0 includes a mandrel 42 lsecured tothe lower end of the line L by a rope socket 431 or the like. Themandrel 42 enters the upper end of an outer part or tube 43 beingslidably guided therein by a guide 44 in the upper end of the tube. Atapered head 45 is provided on the lower end of the mandrel 42 andpresents an upwardly facing annular shoulder 46. A angeil is provided onthe lower portion of the mandrel 42 above the head 45 to cooperate withthe 'guide 44 and limit relative movement between the mandrel and tube43. The cap 34 of the valve tube 32 has an upstanding projection 48provided with a downwardly facing annular shoulder 49 and the tube 43carries means for cooperating with the projection 48.

The tube 43 has an enlarged extension 50 on its lower end carrying twopivoted latch fingers I. Each latch finger 5I has an upwardly facinglatch shoulder 52 adjacent its lower end and a downwardly facingshoulder 53 on its inner side adjacent its upper end. Inclined surfaces54 extend upwardly and outwardly from the shoulders 53. Means isprovided for urging the pivoted latch iingers 5I inwardly or toward oneanother. In practice a coiled spring 55 may be connected betweenl thespaced opposing lingers 5I. The latch lingers 5I are adapted tocooperate with the vprojectionv 48 when the line L is lowered throughthe string S. The engagement of the lower ends Cil CIG

of the fingers 5| with the projection 48 pivots the fingers outwardly sothat they move downwardly over the projection until their shoulders 52snap under the shoulder 49. The upper surface of the cap 34 may limitthe downward movement of the fingers 5I. When the latch fingers are incooperation with the shoulder 49 the line L is connected with the valvetube 32 so that the line may be operated 'to move the valve tubeupwardly. When it is desired to release the fin-v gers 5| from theprojection 48 the line L is lowereduntil the tapered head 45 of themandrel 42 moves downwardly against the inclined surfaces 54 of thefingers to spread the fingers apart. 'Ihis spreading of the fingers 5|releases their shoulders 52 from the shoulder 49. The head 45 of themandrel 42 moves downwardly on the surfaces 54 until its shoulder 4Bsnaps under the latch finger shoulders 53. This engagement of the partsis illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. With the latch fingers heldout by the en gagement of the shoulders 46 and 53 they are preventedfrom re-engaging the projection 48 so that the line L may be removedfrom the string.

The operation of the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive,of the drawings and the method of the invention as carried out with thisform of the invention is as follows: Assuming that the rat-hole H hasbeen provided or formed in the lower end of the well bore the testerbody I carrying the liner II, the packer I2 and the valve I3 is attachedto the lower end of the test string S and the string is run into thewell bore B. The string S is lowered into the well until the lower end25 of the packer I2 seats on the shoulder X of formation. The weight oraportion ofthe weight of the string S is allowed to rest on the packerI2 forcing the lower end 25 of the packer tightly against the shoulderX. This weight imposed on the packer I2 is transmitted through thepacking 21 compressing the packing to tightly seal with the interior ofthe packer and the exterior of the imperforate portion I9 of the linerII. If desired or believed necessary the fluid in the well bore lB maybe put under pressure to. expand the basket 30 which forms an effectiveseal above the shoulder X. rIhus the packer I2 seals off the well boreat the shoulder X and at the basket 30 to fully separate the rathole Hfrom the bore B. The tester or apparatus is then conditioned foroperation.

To operate the valve I3 the line L carrying the mandrel 42 and the tube43 is run into the test string S until the latch fingers I contact theprojection 48. This engagement of the latch fingers 5| with theprojection 48 spreads the fingers so that their shoulders 52 snap intoengagement with the shoulder 49. When this occurs the line L has liftingcooperation or engagement with the valve tube 32. The valve I3 is` thenopened by pulling up on the line L. It is preferred to raise the line Llslowly so that the upper ends of the uppermost ports 4II are slowlyuncovered to the opening I4 above the flange I6. This allows the fluidunder pressure from the rathole H to flow into the `test string S. Asthe line L is slowly raised the sets of ports 40 are suc- 'tion inpressure on the fluid in the rat-hole H so that the packer I2 and theparts connected therewith are not subjected to a sudden increase in theforce exerted by the hydrostatic head of fluid in the well bore B. Thisslow reduction of pressure in the rat-hole H may assist in preventingcaving and sanding up of the rat-hole H. I'f the fluid in the stratumpenetrated by the rat-hole H flows in sufficient quantities and undersufficient pressure it may flow upwardly through the test stringS to theupper end of the well. If the uid does not flow from the rat-hole H insuicient volume it may be necessary to bail, pump or otherwise removethe test fluid from the string S. In any event the test string S isadapted to receive a sample of the fluid produce-d from the formationpenetrated by the rathole H which test or sample is uncontaminated bythe mud or fluid in the well bore B. The expanded basket 30 insures adependable seal between the rat-hole H and the well bore B which seal issupplemented by the engagement of the lower end of the packer I2 withthe shoulder X.

When a sufficient sample or test has been obtained the line L isreleased from the valve tube 32 to permit closing of the tube to traptheI test fluidA in the string S. To disengage the line L from the valvetube 32 the line L is allowed to lower until the head 45 of the mandrel42 engages the inclined shoulders 54 which pivots the latch fingers 5Ioutwardly to a position such as illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawingswhereupon the latch fingers 5I cooperate with the shoulder 46. The lineL is then raised and removed from the well carrying with it the mandrel42 and the tube 43. The disengagement of the latch fingers 5I from theprojection 48 is accompanied by down- Ward movement of the valve tube 32by the compressed spring'4l. This, of course, moves the ports 40 out ofcommunication with the opening I4 above the shoulder I6 so that the tube32 closes the lower end of the string S to trap the sample therein. Thestring S is then raised to remove the apparatus from the well bore. Inthe event that pressure has been maintained on the fluid within the wellbore B this pressure is removed before removing the tester.

In most instances the tester on the lower end of f the string S isreadily withdrawn from the well on the string. The perforated portion2|) of the liner L being downwardly tapered is easily pulled from therat-hole H even though the rat-hole may be sanded up or caved in. In theevent, however, that the packer I2 is immovably lodged in the well sothat it is not moved upwardly with the string S, the liner II may pullupwardly through the caught packer. The upward movement of the string Srelieves all pressure on the packing 21 and the spring members 28 yieldto allow the liner I I to be pulled upwardly through the packer I2. Thusif the packer I2 is caught or tightly lodged in the well the liner IIand the body I0 maybe readily pulled from the well on the string .Sleaving the friable packer I2 in the well. The

drillable packer YI2 carrying. the basket 30 may be easily broken up anddrilled up by a drilling tool following the test to permit the drillingoperations to continue. Accordingly, the fixation or loss of the packerI2 in the well bore does not result in the loss of the other parts ofthe testing apparatus and does not in any way endanger In st )m'e'cases'the liner II Amay be so tightly sanded or fixed in the rat-hole H thatit cannot .be withdrawn from the well bore on the string S withoutendangering the connections of the string, etc. If this occurs thestring S is pulled .upwardaisaotv ly and manipulated to fracture orbreak the liner II at the groove 23 allowing the body I0 and the valveI3 contained therein to be withdrawn from the well on the string S. Ifthe packer I2 isnot tightly caught in the well it may also be withdrawnon the string S leaving only the perforated portion 29 of the liner inthe well. This small end portion of the liner L may be easily iishedfrom the well bore or if desired may be drilled up when drilling isresumed. From the above it will be seen that the operation of the formof the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, of the drawingsdoes not endanger the well bore and does not in any instance necessitateexpensive time consuming shing operations.

The method of the invention as carried out in the operation of the formof the invention just described involves the setting of the tester inthe well bore, the application of pressure to the fluid in the bore toexpand the liner basket 30, the opening of the valve I3 to permit thetest fluid to flow into the test string S, the closing of the valve I3,the withdrawal of the string S and the body Il l and liner I I connectedtherewith, and then the drilling up of the drillable packer I2 in theevent that it is caught in the well bore.

Fig. 6 of the drawings illustrates a form of ap.- paratus identical withthe embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. l to 5 of thedrawings, except that the lower end 25H- of the packer I2 is at andsubstantially horizontal. This type of packer is adapted to have itslower end 25a bear on and seal with a fiat horizontal shoulder X1 ofearth formation occurring in the well bore B at the upper end of arat-hole H. In other respects the packer I2 and the various other partsof the apparatus may be identical with the corresponding elements ofthe` apparatus described above and the operation of the apparatus shownin Fig. 6 is the same as the operation of the previously described formof the invention.

Fig. '7 of the drawings illustrates an embodiment of the inventionhaving another form or type of packer |221. The body I9..the liner IIand the Valve I3 within the packer I0 may be of the same constructionand operation as the corresponding elements of the apparatus illustratedin Figs. l to 5 of the drawings. The packer I2a illustrated in Fig. 7 ofthe drawings includes a lower drillable part 60 adapted to seal againsta shoulder Y in the well bore B occurring at the upper end of therat-hole H. a body ofpacking 6I resting on the upper end of the lowerpacker part 60 and a drillable upper packer part 6 2 -at the upper endof the packing 6I for transmittingvdownward force from the test string Sto the packing 6I to compress the packing and force it against the wallof the well bore B.

The lower packing part 60is tubular or annular and surrounds theimperforate portion I9 of the liner II. In accordance with the inventionthe part 60 is frangible or drillable being formed of cement glass,Bakelite or other material that may be crush-ed and drilled up by a welldrilling tool. The lower end 63 of the packer part 60 tapers downwardlyand inwardly to conform to and seal against the shoulder Y of earthformation. The upper end 64 of the packer part 60 is preferably flat andhorizontal to form an abutment for the lower end of the body of packing6I. A counterbore 65 enters the upper end of the packer part 60 to carrypacking 61 for sealing with the liner portion I9 and the interior of thepacker part 60. A nut or gland 66 is threaded into the counterbore 65 toactuate or compress the packing 61.

. packer, part 62.

The packing 61 when tightly compressed in the counter-bore 65 grips theliner portion I9 and bears outwardly against the packer part 60 to forma connection between the liner and the packer part 60. Thus the packing61 in addition 5 to forming a seal between the liner portion I9 and thepacker part 60 loperates to releasably or yieldingly connect the packerI2a with the liner II.

The body of packing 6I is in the nature of a 10 ring of packing materialinterposed between the packer parts 60 and 62 and is operable to sealoutwardly against the wall of the well bore B and to seal inwardlyagainst the liner portion I9. The

body of pa'cking 6I may be of hemp or other suit- 15 able packingmaterial and when under compression forms an eiective seal forpreventing the entrance of vfluid from the well bore B into the rat-holeH.

The upper part 62 of the packer I 2B may be a 20 simple cylindricaldrillable member surrounding the liner portion I 9 and having a flatlower end for bearing downwardly against the body of packing 6I. Theupper packer part 62 is shiftable on the liner portion I9 to be urgedagainst 25 the body of packing 6I by the weight or a portion of theweight of the test string S. Means is provided for transmitting thedownward force or weight from the test string S to the upper packer part62. A washer or plate 68 is shlftable on the 30 to the plate which inturn transmits the force 35 to the packer part 62. The packer part 62may be provided with a basket 69 for sealing with the wall of the wellbore B. The basket 69 is expansible being formed of rubber or the likeand has its lower end closed. In practice the lower end portion of thebasket 69 may be cast in the The basket 69 is annular or tubular andpreferably projects a considerable distance above the packer part 62 tohave extensive sealing engagement with the wall of the well bore B. Thebasket 69 is adapted to be actuated or expanded by pressure applied tothe uid in the well bore B or by the hydrostatic pressure of the uid. Itwill be apparent that the pressure of uid in the basket also forces itdown and thus aids in making the packing tight, in fact, it

may be the sole means of making the packing tight.

In operating the form of apparatus illustrated in Fig. and in carryingout the method of the 55 invention with this form of apparatus the bodyI0 carrying the liner II, the packer I2a andthe valve I3 is secured tothe lower end of the test string S. The test string S is run into thewell,

to a position where the lower end 63 of the packer 60 part 69 bearsonthe shoulder Y of earth formation. 'I'his brings the yliner II to aposition where its perforated lower portion 29 projects into therat-hole H. To actuate the packer I2a the weight,

or a portion of the weight of the string S is permitted to rest on theupper packer part 62 through I the coupling I8 and washer 68 and thisweight actuates or comprises the body of packing 6I. The packing 6I whenunder compression dependably seals with vthe wall of the well bore B 70and the exterior of the imperforate liner portion I9. If desired orbelieved necessary the basket 69 may be expanded by applying pressure tothe fluid standing in the well bore B. The packer I2a thus Provides twoeffective longitudinally spaced seals -portion 20 of the liner in thewell.

for preventing the entrance of uid from the well bore B to the rat-holeH.

The valve I3 is then opened in the manner described above in connectionwith the operation of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 5,inclusive, of the drawings to permit the fluid from the rat-hole H to owinto the test string. When a suiicient amount of test fluid has beenobtained the valve is permitted to close to trap the fluid in the stringand the line L is withdrawn from the string S. If pressure has beenmaintained on the fluid within the well bore B to expand the basket 69this pressure is relieved and the string S is pulled upwardly to removethe tester from the well bore. As the perforated lower portion 20 of theliner II is of downwardly diminishing diameter it is readily pulled fromthe Arat-'hole H even though the rat-hole may be sanded up. In mostintances the highly compressed packing 69 holds the packer I2a on theliner II so that it is withdrawn from the well on the string S. However,in the event that the packer I2a is caught or xed in the well bore theliner I I may be pulled upwardly through the packer I2a leaving thepacker I2a ln the well bore. As the packer I 2a is formed principally ofdrillable material it may be easily broken up and drilled up by adrilling tool when the drilling operations are resumed. Thus the loss ofthe packer I2n in the 4well bore does not endanger the well vornecessitate a shing operation. In some lnstances the lower portion 20 ofthe liner II may be tightly caught in the rat-hole H so that thetester'cannot be withdrawn from the well with-` out endangering thejoints olf the test string S. If this occurs the test-string S is pulledupwardly and manipulated to break the liner I I at its groove 23,permitting the upper portion 20 of the liner, the body I0 and the partsconnected therewith to be withdrawn from the well leaving the lower Thismay be readily shed from the well or drilled up by the drilling tools.

Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the invention intended for use in awell having a substanf tially horizontal shoulder Z at the upper end ofthe rat-hole H. 'I'he apparatus shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings isidentical with the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7 except that the lowersealing face 53a of the lower packer part 60 is at and substantiallyhorizontal to seal with the sub stantially horizontal shoulder Z ofearth formation. The operation of the apparatus shown in Fig'. 8 of thedrawings'may be the same as that of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7.

In Fig. 9 of the drawings we have illustrated an embodiment of theinvention adapted for use in a well bore A devoid of an upwardly facingshoulder and adapted for use in a portion of a well of substantiallyuniform diameter. The well testing apparatus illustrated in Fig. 9 ofthe drawings includes, generally, a body I0 housing or containing thevalve I3 described above, a drillable liner 'I0 and a packer 'II slacklyconnecting the liner 'I0 with the body I0.

The body I 0 housing the control valve I 3 may be identical with thebody I0 described above.v An adapter or coupling 'I2 is provided on thelower end of thebody I0 to connect the packer 'II with the body I0. Theliner 'Ill is provided to receivethe well uids from the lower portion of-the invention the `liner 'I0 is frangible or drillable being formed ofglass, cement, Bakelite or other rior of the member '19.

material that may be readily drilled up by a drilling tool. The liner'I0 may be a simple, integralmember comprising a perforated or portedlower portion 'I3 and an imperforate upper portion 14. The lower portion'I3 of the liner may have a comparatively thick wall as illustrated andis provided with a multiplicity of lateral ports 45 communicating withthe longitudinal opening 'I6 of the liner. The lower portion 'I3 of theliner 'I0 is of larger external diameter than the upper portion 'I4providing an upwardly facing annular shoulder 'I'I. In accordance withthe invention the perforated lower portion 'I3 of the liner 'I0 istapered downwardly and inwardly or is of downwardly diminishing externaldiameter to be readily withdrawn from the well bore in the event thebore caves in or sands up. The lower end of the liner 'I0 may be closedby an integral wall as shown in the drawings. The upper portion 'I4 ofthe liner 'I0 may be cylindrical and of uniform diameter. l

The packer 'II comprises a tubular friable member 'I9 attached to thecoupling 'I2 and a body of packing 'I8 interposed between the lower endof the member 'I9 and the shoulder 11. The member 'I9 is friable beingformed of cement, glass, Bakelite or other drillable material that maybe drilled up by drilling tools. The member 'I9 of the packer 'II may beconnected with the coupling 'I2 by heavy left-hand threads 80 wherebythe body I0 may be disconnected from the packer and liner if foundnecessary. The longitudinal opening 8| of the member 'I9 shiftablyreceives the upper portion 'I4 of the liner 10. The invention provides aslack connection between the member 'I9 and the liner 10. The slackconnectionmay comprise a projection or pin 82 on the upper portion 'I4of .the liner operable or shiftable in a longitudinal slot 83 in theinte- When the liner "I0 is resting on the bottom of the well bore A themember 19 is adapted to move downwardly to compress the packing 'I8against the shoulder 11. In the preferred construction the packer member'I9 ls weakened so that it may be broken by manipulation of the string Sin the event that it becomes caught in the well bore. An annularweakening groove 85 is provided in the upper -portion of the member 'I9adjacent the lower end of the coupling 12. An expansible basket 86 isprovided on the member 'I9 to seal with the wall of the well bore A. Thebasket 86 is a tubular member of rubber or the like and its lower end isclosed by being suitably secured to the exterior of the member 19. It ispreferred to form the basket 86 comparatively long to project asubstantial distance upwardly from its point of connection with themember 19. The basket 86 is expansible by the hydrostatic pressure ofthe fluid in the well bore A or by pressure applied to the uid in thewell to tightly seal .outwardly against the wall of the well. Inpractice the basket 86 is formed of rubber or the like to be readilyexpansible and to readily conform to irregularities of the well bore andthus provide an effective dependable seal.

The packing 18 is an annular body of hemp or other packing materialinterposed between the lower end of the member 'I9 and the shoulder'I'I. Downward pressure on the packing 'I8 is adapted to expand it andforce it into sealing en'- gagement with the wall of the well bore A andwith the periphery of the liner portion 14.

In operating the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings and incarrying out the method of the invention with this form of apparatus thebody IIJ carrying the valve I3, the packer 1I and the liner 10 issecured to the lower end of the test string S and the string is run intothe well bore A. The `string is run in the well to bring the lower endof the liner I against' the bottom of the bore. The weight or a portionof the weight of the string S is then allowed to settle and thisdownward force is transmitted by the member 19 to the packing I8 tocompress or actuate the packing. If desired pressure may be applied .tothe iiuid standing in the well to expand the basket 86 so that iteffectively seals with the wall of the well bore A. The packer 'II thusprovides two longitudinally spaced seals for preventing the entrance ofuid from the main portion of the bore A to the lower end portion of thebore containing the perforated part 'I3 of the liner.

Following the actuation of the packer 1I the valve I3 isopened asdescribed above to permit the luid from the lower end portion of thewell to ow through the ports I5 and the opening 'I6 into the body IUandthe string S. This uid from the stratum penetrated by the lower endof the Well bore is free to ow upwardly through the test string S undersubstantially normal pressures. If under sufficient pressure and insufficient volume the fluid produced by the stratum being tested may owfrom the upper end of the test string S. When a sufficient amount oftest uid has been obtained the valve I3 is permitted to close and theline L is withdrawn from the test string. The weight imposed on thepacker 1I is then removed and the test string S is pulled upwardly towithdraw the tester from the well. In most instances the packer 1I andthe liner 'l0 may be readily pulled from the well bore on the string S.The taper of the liner 'IIl -provides for its, easy removal. In theevent that the liner becomes immovably sanded in the Well it may benecessary to pull the test string upwardly until the portion of theliner at the pin 82 or the pin 82 fails permitting the member 'i9 tomove upwardly free of the liner 'i0 leaving the liner in the well bore.The liner 'I0 being formed of drillable material may beeasily drilled upwhen the drilling operations are resumed without necessitating a fishingoperation. In somecases the member I9 of the packer 'II may becomecaught in the well bore. If this occurs the member 'i9 may be readilybroken at the weakening groove 85 so that the body Ill carrying thevalve I3 may be withdrawn from the well on the string S leaving aportion of the member 'I9 and the friable packer i in the well. Theseparts may be easily broken and drilled up by a drilling tool when thewell is to be deepened.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of ourinvention, we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specicdetails herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves anymodicaticns'or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art orfall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. The method of testing the formation in a well comprising thepositioning of a perforated liner in the well carrying a drillablepacking means by lowering the same into the well on a test string,allowing the test fluid to enter the perforated liner directly from thewell, removing the test fluid from the liner and test string, removingthe string from the well to withdraw the said liner leaving the packingmeans in the well, and then drilling up the packing means remaining `inthe packing means and raise it from the well leaving the packing meansin the well, and then crushing up the packing means to leave the Wellclear for other operations.

3.-I'he method of testing the formation in a well comprising thepositioningof a liner removably carrying a drillable packer in the wellto receive the uid from the formation by lowering the liner into thewell on a test string, actuating the packer to lsealoff the Well abovethe Zone being tested, removing the fluid from -the formation throughthe liner and string, removing the liner from the well by pulling thestring from the well to pull the liner through the packer and raise itlfrom the well leaving the packer in the well, and then drilling up thepacker to leave the well clear for other operations.

4. The method of testing the formation in a well comprisingthe'positioning of a perforated liner removably carrying a drillablepacker in the well to receive the fluid from theformation by loweringthe liner into the well on a test string, actuating the packer to sealoif the well above the zone being tested by manipulation of the string,causing the fluid to pass directly from the formation and well into theperforated liner and then into the string, disconnecting the line fromthe packer, removing the liner from the well by raising the string topull the liner upwardly through the packer and out of the Well leavingthe packer inthe well, and then drilling up the packer to leave the wellclear for other operations.

5. 'I'he method of testing the productivity of the formation in a wellincluding providing a liner and a packing means arranged on the linerand operable by fluid pressure, arranging the assembly of the liner andpacking means in the well by lowering it into the well on a test string,actuating the packing means to seal off the Well by applying pressure tothe uid'in the Well, removing the well fluid from below the packingmeans through the string, and then removing the liner from the well bypulling the string from the well to pull the liner upwardly through thepacking means and raise it from the well leaving the packing means inthe well.

6. The method of testing the productivity of the formation in a wellincluding providing a liner and a drillable packing means detachablyarranged on the liner and operable by fluid pressure, arranging theassembly of the liner and packing means in the well by lowering it intothe well ona test string, actuating the packing means to seal off thewell by applying pressure to the fluid in the well, removing the welluid from below the Cfr packing means through the string, detaching theliner from the packing means, removing they liner from the well bypulling the string from vthe well to pull the liner upwardly through thepacking means and raise it from the well leaving the packing means in.the well, andthen'drilling upv the packing means to leave the wel/1clear for other operations.

`'7. A well tester' comprising a liner adapted to be connected withviatestv string, the liner having an opening for admitting' fluid from thewell formation, and a drillable packer surrounding the liner anddetachably frictionally engaged with the liner to pack between the linerand the .wall of the well and pass the liner upon the liner being pulledfrom the well.

8. In a well tester, a liner for receiving the fluid from the formationto be tested, a drillable packer for sealingoff the well around theliner above the zone to be tested, and means for releasably connectingthe packer to the liner releasable when the packer is caught in the wellto permit withdrawal of thel liner through the packer.

9. In a .well tester, a liner for receiving the uid fromthe formation tobe tested, a drillable packer for sealing off the well above the zone tobetested, and means for sealing with the liner of the liner, the linerbeing of downwardly diminishing transverse dimensions from adjacent thepacker to its lower end.

11. In a well tester, a packer having a part for' sealing between thetester and the wall of the well, and an expansible upwardly facingbasket attached to the packer at a point spaced below the upper end ofthe packer and extending upwardly around and over a portion of thepacker for sealing with the wall of the well.

12. A device for use in combination with a well tool including, adrillable packer having a part for sealing between the tool and the wellwall, and an expansible upwardly facing basket on the packer operable toseal with the wall of the well under the expanding influence of fluidpressure in the well above the packer.

13. In apparatus of the character described, a drillable packer, asurface on the packer for sealing with a shoulder in the well, and anexpansible upwardly facing skirt on the packer operable to seal with thewall of the well under the expanding influence of uid pressure in thewell above the shoulder.

14. In well testing apparatus, a drillable part adapted to seal againsta shoulder in the well, an upper drillable part adapted to be forceddownwardly relative to the first mentioned part, and

packing between the parts expansible to seal with the wall of the wellby such downward movement.

15. In a well tester, a liner for receiving the fluid from the formationto be tested, a drillable packer for sealing off the well above the zoneto be tested, and means for releasably connecting the packer to theliner to permitwithdrawal of the liner through the packer, said meansincluding spring members on the packer bearing on the liner.

16. A well tester comprising a. tubular body adapted to be connectedwith the lower end of a test string, a liner on the body for receivingvthe uid from the formation being tested, a packer associated with theliner to seal off the portion of the well being tested, and a valve inthe body for controlling the ow into the test string comprisin'g ashiftable tube normally in a down position where it closes the interiorof the body and means normally yieldingly holding the tube in said downposition, the tube having a plurality of longitudinally spaced ports toprogressively increase the extent of communication of the string withthe liner as the tube is moved upwardly relative to the body and teststring.

17. A well tester comprising a tubular body adapted to be connected withthe lower end of a test string, a liner on the body for receiving thefluid from the formation being tested, a packer associated with theliner to seal off the portion of the well being tested, and a valve inthe body for controlling the flow into the test string comprising a tubeshiftable relative to the test string and normally in a down positionwhere it closes the interior of the body and having a plurality oflongitudinally spaced ports to progressively increase the extent ofcommunication of the string with the liner as the tube'is movedlongitudinally, and

means for shifting the tube upwardly relative to the test string.

18. In a well tester, a liner having a perforated portion for receivinguid from the well and having a weakened portion whereby it may be partedat said portion in the event it becomes caught in the well.

19. Well testing apparatus comprising a tubular test string, and atubular structure connected with the lower end of the string adapted toreceive the fluid from the formation being tested, said structure beingweakened at a point above its lower end to be readily parted at saidpoint in the event it becomes caught in the well.

20. A well tester comprising a metal liner to be connected with a teststring and having an opening for admitting fluid from the wellformation, and a drillable packer associated with the liner for packingwith the well wall, the liner andl packer being fitted to allow theliner to be moved through the packer to leave the packer in the wellwhen the liner is withdrawn from the well.

21. In well testing apparatus, a lower part for sealing against ashoulder in the well, an upper part adapted to be forced downwardlyrelative to the lower part, packing between the parts expansible againstthe wall of the well by such downward movement of theA upper4 part, andan expansible basket on the upper part expanded to seal with the wall ofthe well by the downwardly acting fluid pressures in the well.

22. In a well tester, a linerfor receiving the fluid from the formationto be tested, a. drillable packer for sealing E the well above the zoneto be tested, and means releasably connecting the packer to the linerreleasable to permit withdrawal of the liner through the packer when thetester is in the well.

23. In a well tester, the combination of, a tubular test string, anelongate liner connected with the test string and perforated to admitfluid from the well, and valve means controlling the flow of fluid fromthe liner to the string operable to allow substantially free flow fromthe liner to the string, the liner being longitudinally taperedthroughout the major portion of its length to be readily withdrawn fromthe well.

ARTHUR L. ARMENTROUT. ELWIN B. HALL..

